Forensic patients ready for new, improved ward

Monday, 8 June 2009, 5:19 pm
Press Release: Waikato District Health Board

Forensic patients ready for new, improved ward

Eleven forensic mental health patients at Waikato Hospital will move into their newly refurbished ward tomorrow.

It is the first of three wards in the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre to undergo renovation as part of a $9 million upgrade of the forensic facilities.

It is an impressive sight, especially when compared to the old ward.

Forensic service manager Rachael Aitchison said the new ward (Ward 31) is a huge improvement on the old area that had a strong sterile and clinical feel to it and had become very run-down.

She said service users (patients), who have lived in the centre for up to three years, are excited about the move and although they have not seen inside, they have a good idea what it looks like.

"They helped choose some of the colours and decided which carpet and curtains they liked the best.

"We've got a bright blue and red wall that represents colours from the pukeko, a symbol suggested for the colour scheme by staff and service users.

"Service users can live here for a relatively long time so they need to feel at home and have a connection to the place," she said.

Health Waikato, Waikato DHB's provider arm, worked closely with Hauora Waikato, mental health service provider, to identify and develop the changes needed for the new facilities.

Health Waikato Clinical director Dr Rees Tapsell is pleased with the result and looking forward to more improvements soon.

"It has been an honour to work in partnership with Waikato DHB to establish this new service and to now celebrate the opening of Ward 31," Dr Tapsell said.

Overall, the area has a much more homely feel that Ms Aitchison says is more appropriate for the type of care they provide.

"This is a secure rehabilitation ward and to aid recovery, the service users need to feel comfortable here," she said.

A new outdoor area also allows users to connect with nature and much larger kitchen will provide the space for service users to cook for themselves.

"Looking after themselves and living a normal life like they would at home is crucial to their rehabilitation.

"The new courtyard will allow them to spend more time outside and eventually have their own vegetable garden to maintain as well as opportunities to develop other planted areas," Ms Aitchison said.

An upgraded security system and new nurse call system are two new features in the ward.

Patients from the old Ward 32 will move into their new rooms tomorrow after a blessing ceremony.

Refurbishment of Ward 32 will then get underway followed by construction of a retaining wall, two new buildings and a new main entrance to the service.

The new buildings will be a whare and kokiri centre for cultural activities and rehabilitation.

The work will also allow the centre to deliver a more comprehensive patient care journey starting with acute admission, sub acute, care and rehabilitation in a variety of medium and low security environments.

Service users will move through these areas/wards as they are rehabilitated.

The new ward opening tomorrow is the second ward from admission.

The forensic upgrade will also create five new beds for the service, to be filled by service users from the Waikato but currently receiving forensic care in other facilities around the country.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Waikato District Health Board

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